What happens during a C&P exam for Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy?

Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy (DC 6026) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026. No standalone schedular percentage tier under DC 6026. Rate on resulting visual impairment under § 4.79: visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DCs 6080-6081), or muscle function/diplopia (DC 6090). Where optic neuritis is associated with multiple sclerosis, the underlying MS (DC 8018) is also rated separately under § 4.124a.

Q: What rates 0% for Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026 (DC 6026), a 0% rating for Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy requires: No standalone schedular percentage tier under DC 6026. Rate on resulting visual impairment under § 4.79: visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DCs 6080-6081), or muscle function/diplopia (DC 6090). Where optic neuritis is associated with multiple sclerosis, the underlying MS (DC 8018) is also rated separately under § 4.124a.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy VA claim?

Key evidence for a Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 602638 C.F.R. § 4.79

Diagnostic Code

DC 6026

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Optic Neuritis / Optic Neuropathy is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6026 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026 across 1 severity tier (0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Inflammation (optic neuritis) or damage (optic neuropathy) to the optic nerve, causing sudden or progressive vision loss, color vision changes, and pain with eye movement. May be associated with multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, toxic exposures, or vascular disease.

Rating Criteria

No standalone schedular percentage tier under DC 6026. Rate on resulting visual impairment under § 4.79: visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DCs 6080-6081), or muscle function/diplopia (DC 6090). Where optic neuritis is associated with multiple sclerosis, the underlying MS (DC 8018) is also rated separately under § 4.124a.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 (Eye). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.79 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

LOADING